For the Cincinnati Bengals, 2025 is about not only meeting, but exceeding expectations that have followed the organization for the last few years. While there’s still a long way to go before anointing them as a Super Bowl favorite this fall, the pieces are in place to make a run. Here is an early look at where the Bengals could go this fall.
Round 1 (No. 17 overall): Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Entering 2024, I wanted to see Donovan Ezeiruaku take that next step in his progression before I thrust him into the top-150 conversation. This fall, all he did was show up, execute, and dominate the blockers tasked with trying to keep him away from the pocket. With Sam Hubbard now retired and Trey Hendrickson possibly on his way out, Ezeiruaku not only fills a hole, but the Boston College product could quickly turn into Cincinnati's top pass rusher. Flip on his tape against Pittsburgh to see one of the most dominant performances, from any player, in the 2025 class.
Round 2 (No. 49 overall): Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
One of the premier LBs in the class, don’t be shocked to hear Carson Schwesinger’s name come off the board earlier than this. A former walk-on to the UCLA program, he’s a dynamic downhill defender who remains one of the surest isolation tacklers in the class.
Round 3 (No. 81 overall): Tate Ratledge, IOL, Georgia
More pop is needed up front for the Bengals with Cordell Volson and Cody Ford slated to start at the left and right guard spots, respectively. Tate Ratledge projects as a long-term starter in the middle with some of the best hands and drive power of any guard in the class. He remains one of the cleaner evaluations in the 2025 cycle.
Round 4 (No. 119 overall): Jamaree Caldwell, IDL, Oregon
A former running back in his younger years, you can still see the fleet footwork and dynamic change of direction ability in the now 340-plus-pound Jamaree Caldwell’s game. One of my personal favorites in the class in the middle rounds, Caldwell projects as an impact player on all three downs.
Round 5 (No. 153 overall): Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers
There are about 30 or so ball-carriers that could hear their names called on draft night, and Kyle Monangai is right in the thick of things. While the Bengals like Chase Brown, and both Zack Moss and Samaje Perine are in the building, for me, Monangai has the talent to outplay both of them and into a substantial role of RB2 right away. A 2023 First-Team All-Big Ten selection and an All-American honoree this year, Monangai rushed for 2,542 yards the last two seasons combined with 21 trips to pay dirt.
Round 6 (No. 193 overall): Alex Harkey, OL, Texas State
One of the premier pullers in the country, Alex Harkey projects as a versatile piece at the next level. In this spot, Cincinnati adds depth to the offensive front and you allow Harkey to compete for a backup spot right away. In the best-case scenario, he progresses into a swing guard/tackle with starter potential in case of injury.
